Education cuts could lead to massive layoffs, overcrowded classroom

Michigan lawmakers failing students, economy

EAST LANSING, Mich., Sept. 24, 2009 – The proposed $218 per pupil cut in education spending will devastate schools across the state and could result in massive layoffs and overcrowded classrooms.

If these cuts become part of the final budget, they could translate into approximately 6,300 layoffs, a number that represents 6 percent of all teachers in Michigan. Fewer teachers would mean larger class sizes and a bigger burden to already overcrowded schools.

“These cuts would be devastating to our students – especially in the middle of the school year,” said MEA President Iris K. Salters. “If these layoffs came to pass, class sizes would skyrocket and students would cease to get the individual attention that is proven to lead to high-levels of student achievement.”

The timing of the reduction—after the school year has begun—would force local school districts to look at changes to classes and programs that students are already enrolled in. And any layoffs would come at a time when Michigan’s unemployment rate is more than 15 percent.

“In its own right, this $218 per pupil cut will harm Michigan’s students and economic future,” Salters said. “What’s worse, though, is the timing of these cuts in the middle of the school year. If the Legislature enacts this cuts-only budget now, it will cause immense disruption in student learning – disruption that could have been avoided had our leaders in Lansing finished their budget work in a timely manner.

“MEA members are urging state lawmakers to reconsider these cuts – we have to invest in public education so that we can prepare students for the jobs Michigan needs.”

Contact: Kerry Birmingham, MEA Communications, 517-337-5508

 “The mission of the MEA is to ensure that the education of our students and the working environments of our members are of the highest quality.”

Updated: September 24, 2009 1:42 PM